Tiffany N. Arango/ Guest Columnist
At the end of 2017, I was interviewed by a representative of the Florida International University (FIU) Alumni Association. I was asked what I would say to a fellow alum to encourage them to participate in Panther Alumni Week. My exact answer was, “I guess I would say: ‘Why wouldn’t you?’”
I attended FIU for my entire 4-year undergraduate experience. Right after graduating, I attended graduate school at another university in Florida, but I kept my ties to FIU. Although I am no longer an FIU student, I consider myself a proud FIU alumna.
Every year, I look forward to Panther Alumni Week (PAW). Panther Alumni Week gives FIU alumni the annual opportunity to partake in the unique mentor-type of interaction, and also the chance to give back to the FIU community. PAW allows FIU students and alumni to have a true FIU-family experience.
I am not aware if other Florida universities host annual alumni weeks. In my opinion, PAW puts FIU worlds ahead. Students see the “Worlds Ahead” posters are all over FIU, both on campuses or virtually. These signs are easy to see, but they are probably even easier to see right through.
My advice to current students would be to get as involved as possible in out-of-class events and opportunities at FIU. The goal should not be only to get involved.
This recommendation is not to “keep busy” or to “build up a resume.” I recommend getting involved as a way to make connections, and also to expand knowledge and resources.
Each student should find something that they like, and can participate in, with other students and professors with similar interests or fields. To the young and recent alumni, I recommend staying active and in touch with FIU.
No matter where life takes us, things we learned at FIU will always be part of our learning history. Just because we have history at FIU, does not mean involvement at FIU should stay in the past.
Letters to the Editor are not written by Panther Press Staff. They are submitted by readers of Panther Press. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
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